Warm Cinnamon Brown Sugar Apple Cider Donuts
Indulge in the delightful flavors of fall with these Warm Cinnamon Brown Sugar Apple Cider Donuts. This recipe yields 18 scrumptious donuts alongside 18 delicious donut holes, perfect for sharing with family and friends during breakfast or as a sweet afternoon treat. Inspired by a classic Family Circle magazine recipe, these donuts feature a rich and moist texture thanks to the combination of apple cider and dark brown sugar. With the warm notes of cinnamon and nutmeg, each bite is a comforting reminder of autumn. Although this recipe is originally crafted with regular brown sugar, I plan to substitute it with Splenda brown sugar to create a lighter version without compromising on flavor. Enjoy them fresh, rolled in confectioners' sugar, and served warm for an unbeatable treat!
N/A
Servings
38
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
All-purpose flour
3 2/3 cups (plus more for rolling)
Baking powder
1 tablespoon
Baking soda
3/4 teaspoon
Salt
3/4 teaspoon
Cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon
Ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon
Large eggs
2
Dark brown sugar
1/2 cup (packed)
Apple cider
2/3 cup
Butter
3 tablespoons (melted)
Vegetable oil
8 cups (for frying)
Confectioners' sugar
1 1/2 cups
Instructions
1
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and ground nutmeg. Set this mixture aside.
2
In a large mixing bowl, beat the eggs on medium speed until foamy, about 3 minutes. Gradually add the dark brown sugar, crumbling it with your hands before adding, and continue beating until the mixture is smooth.
3
Mix in the apple cider and melted butter until they are fully incorporated. Add the flour mixture and stir with a wooden spoon until just combined; be careful not to overmix.
4
Transfer the dough onto a sheet of plastic wrap. With floured hands, pat the dough into a disk approximately 1 3/4 inches thick (about 9 inches round) and wrap it tightly in plastic. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or ideally overnight for a better flavor and texture.
5
Once the dough has chilled, heat 8 cups of vegetable oil in a heavy-duty 3 1/2-quart saucepan over medium-high heat until it reaches 365°F on a deep fat frying thermometer. Make sure the tip of the thermometer is not resting on the bottom of the pot for an accurate reading.
6
While the oil is heating, lightly flour a clean surface and roll out the chilled dough to a thickness of 1/2 inch. Cut out donuts using a donut cutter or a 2 3/4-inch round cutter for the centers. You can also cut the dough into strips measuring 3 1/2 inches by 1 1/2 inches for donut sticks.
7
Place the confectioners' sugar in a medium bowl and set it aside for later.
8
Carefully slip the donuts, sticks, and donut holes—three or four at a time—into the hot oil using a slotted spoon. Fry until they turn golden brown, about 1 minute per side, for a total of about 2-3 minutes per batch.
9
Once fried, drain the donuts on paper towels to remove excess oil. While they are still warm, transfer them to the bowl of confectioners' sugar and roll to generously cover each donut. Serve warm and enjoy the delightful flavors!
Nutrition Information
2g
Fat
5g
Carbs
0.3g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Warm Cinnamon Brown Sugar Apple Cider Donuts?
These are autumn-inspired donuts made with apple cider, dark brown sugar, and warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, then fried and coated in confectioners' sugar.
How many donuts does this recipe yield?
This recipe yields 18 scrumptious donuts and 18 delicious donut holes.
What is the calorie count for these donuts?
Each serving contains approximately 38 calories.
Can I substitute the dark brown sugar in this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute regular dark brown sugar with Splenda brown sugar for a lighter version without compromising the flavor.
How long should the dough be refrigerated?
The dough should be refrigerated for at least 2 hours, but ideally overnight for the best flavor and texture.
What is the ideal temperature for the frying oil?
The vegetable oil should reach 365°F on a deep-fat frying thermometer before you begin cooking.
How thick should I roll the dough?
After chilling, roll the dough out to a thickness of 1/2 inch on a lightly floured surface.
What spices are used in the dough mixture?
The dough is seasoned with cinnamon and ground nutmeg for a comforting autumn flavor.
How do I prepare the eggs for the dough?
Beat the eggs on medium speed in a large mixing bowl for about 3 minutes until they become foamy.
What type of flour is recommended for this recipe?
This recipe uses 3 2/3 cups of all-purpose flour.
How much apple cider is needed?
You will need 2/3 cup of apple cider for this recipe.
Should the butter be melted or cold when added?
The 3 tablespoons of butter should be melted before being mixed into the wet ingredients.
How do I cut the donuts?
Use a donut cutter or a 2 3/4-inch round cutter for the centers. You can also cut them into 3 1/2-inch by 1 1/2-inch strips for donut sticks.
How many donuts should I fry at once?
Carefully slip three or four donuts, sticks, or holes into the hot oil at a time to avoid overcrowding.
How long do the donuts take to fry?
The donuts should fry for about 1 minute per side, or a total of 2-3 minutes per batch until golden brown.
What is the best way to coat the donuts in sugar?
While the donuts are still warm after draining on paper towels, roll them in a bowl of confectioners' sugar to cover them generously.
Is baking powder or baking soda used in this recipe?
Both are used: 1 tablespoon of baking powder and 3/4 teaspoon of baking soda.
What kind of oil should I use for frying?
The recipe calls for 8 cups of vegetable oil for frying.
Can I make donut sticks instead of round donuts?
Yes, the dough can be cut into strips measuring 3 1/2 inches by 1 1/2 inches to create donut sticks.
What texture do these donuts have?
These donuts feature a rich and moist texture thanks to the combination of apple cider and dark brown sugar.
How should I pat the dough before refrigeration?
Pat the dough into a disk approximately 1 3/4 inches thick (about 9 inches round) before wrapping it in plastic.
What is the fat content per serving?
There are 2g of fat per serving in these donuts.
Do these donuts contain protein?
Yes, there is approximately 0.3g of protein per serving.
What is the carbohydrate count?
Each serving contains approximately 5g of carbohydrates.
Is it necessary to use a thermometer for frying?
Yes, a deep fat frying thermometer is recommended to ensure the oil stays at 365°F for even cooking.
How do I prevent the dough from sticking to my hands?
Use floured hands when patting the dough into a disk before refrigeration.
Where did the inspiration for this recipe come from?
This recipe was inspired by a classic Family Circle magazine recipe.
What size saucepan is needed for frying?
A heavy-duty 3 1/2-quart saucepan is recommended for heating the oil.
Can I serve these donuts cold?
While they can be eaten cold, they are best served warm for an unbeatable treat.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Associated tags include donuts, apple cider, brown sugar, breakfast, fall recipes, sweet treats, and fried desserts.